Two of the most intimidating forwards in world football, Argentina's 35-year-old Lionel Messi and Poland's 34-year-old Robert Lewandowski, line up against each other on Wednesday with a last 16 place at stake in the World Cup.

The brilliant Argentine, whose team are one of the tournament favourites, is playing his fifth and final campaign, meaning it is his last chance to match Diego Maradona and lift the trophy for his longing homeland.

With Argentina second in Group C on three points, one behind the Poles, they must win to be sure of progressing and keeping alive their dream of a third World Cup title.

A draw would be enough for the South Americans too if Mexico and Saudi Arabia also end level.

Like Messi, Lewandowski is also his nation's all-time top scorer and is on possibly his last mission at a World Cup. He has been in sizzling form for Messi's old club Barcelona and has also had an eventful start in Qatar.

Lewandowski uncharacteristically missed a penalty in Poland's opening draw with Mexico before scoring his first ever World Cup goal in their 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia.

Poland, who have not reached the knockout stage since 1986, will go through with a win or draw against Argentina.

When?

1st December, 01:00 am, Bangladesh time

Where?

Stadium 974, Ras Abu Aboud, Doha, Qatar.

Capacity: 44,089

Head-to-head

Matches 11

Argentina 6

Poland 3

Draw 2

Probable lineups:

Poland: (3-5-2) Szczesny (GK), Cash, Glik, Kiwior, Bereszynski; Zielinski, Bielik, Krychowiak, Frankowski, Milik, Lewandowski

Argentina: (4-3-3) E. Martinez (GK), Montiel, Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Acuna, Fernandez, Mac Allister, De Paul, Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Di Maria

Key stats:

* Poland have kept a clean sheet in their last three World Cup matches, including both in 2022.

* Poland won four of their first seven World Cup games against South American sides (L3) but lost each of their last three in the competition without scoring a single goal.

* Argentina lost their last two World Cup games against European nations - Croatia (3-0) and France (4-3) in 2018.

* Poland will advance with at least a draw, while Argentina may also advance with a draw depending on the result of the other group game.

Previous meetings:

* This is the third time Poland and Argentina will meet at the World Cup. Poland won 3-2 in 1974 and Argentina won 2-0 four years later. Argentina have won six of their 11 meetings overall, with Poland winning three. The teams last played an international friendly in June 2011, which Poland won 2-1.